Thanks for the invite Ian! This is great! So the contest started Tuesday, and ends on January 3rd? Also, if we do not make it to the actual elimination rounds, will there be something like the MIT? Permalink

I hope I haven't just made a big mistake by joining this group without an invite... others seem to have mentioned them but it appeared free-to-enter to me, and also a fantastic contest. If this isn't the case by all means I will leave. Am I in the clear to participate (if I can get my current project wrapped up, that is)?Permalink

Quoting Josh.O Shadeslayer
Or can it be from the appendecies like the battle in Dale during the WotR (war of the ring)

Please only build in The Hobbit/the Lord of the Rings, as specified in the Round 1 write-up. As for the book/movie, it doesn't matter. In a contest like this, it's probably better not to be obscure. Permalink

As there are two brackets (Barad-Dur and Orthanc bracket) will our creation have to be based off of one of the two towers? Or is it just, "Decide which judges you like better and add your creation to that bracket?"
So our build can be anything from LOTR or The Hobbit, right?

I'm really excited about this. After my terrible show in the MOs I would love to redeem myself. Thanks for the invite!Permalink

"You are permitted to build anything pertaining to either 'The Lord of the Rings' or 'The Hobbit'. " By pertaining, does that mean we can build something that'd from that time period and setting but not necessarily described in the books? Such as the elves marching to defend Helm's Deep or Rohirrim hunting Uruk-Hai in the fields of Rohan?Permalink

Quoting Aidan Flynn
As there are two brackets (Barad-Dur and Orthanc bracket) will our creation have to be based off of one of the two towers? Or is it just, "Decide which judges you like better and add your creation to that bracket?"
So our build can be anything from LOTR or The Hobbit, right?

I'm really excited about this. After my terrible show in the MOs I would love to redeem myself. Thanks for the invite!

Just as in the MocOlympics, the brackets aren't important in the least. Provided you make it to the elimination rounds, you'll be assigned to a bracket and then assigned categories, just like in the MOs. The brackets are simply a way to divide the contestants into two groups for the judges.

For the qualifier there are no brackets. It'll all make sense as the contest commences. Yep, you can build anything from either the Hobbit or LOTR for the first round. Permalink

Quoting LukeClarenceVan The Revanchist
"You are permitted to build anything pertaining to either 'The Lord of the Rings' or 'The Hobbit'. " By pertaining, does that mean we can build something that'd from that time period and setting but not necessarily described in the books? Such as the elves marching to defend Helm's Deep or Rohirrim hunting Uruk-Hai in the fields of Rohan?

I suppose if you really want to you can, but it's preferable to enter something that will be recognizable. Like I said to someone else, obscurity usually isn't the best way to go. Permalink

Thanks for the invite. It might be awhile before I post mine (but I always say that and then build something on a whim) as i might wait until the Hobbit movie comes out and make a scene P.J. style. This should be fun. It's my first contest aside from a flexible minifig contest so I'm not very familiar with the usual protocol for these things. Are there any size limits i.e. minimum or maximum for a scene? Are flexible and/or poseable minifigs allowed? Bummer about the exclusion of First Age and Second Age builds; I had some great scenes in mind to choose from. Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
Just as in the MocOlympics, the brackets aren't important in the least. Provided you make it to the elimination rounds, you'll be assigned to a bracket and then assigned categories, just like in the MOs. The brackets are simply a way to divide the contestants into two groups for the judges.

For the qualifier there are no brackets. It'll all make sense as the contest commences. Yep, you can build anything from either the Hobbit or LOTR for the first round.

Quoting Mark Murphy
You should stick with just Legos. I do not know if glue is actually allowed or not, but one should never glue their Legos together.

AMEN! It will make you bang your head against the wall when you need the piece. (I know this not from experience, but I bought a tub of legos, and one of the modules with some good parts was glued together, and useless)Permalink

Quoting David .
AMEN! It will make you bang your head against the wall when you need the piece. (I know this not from experience, but I bought a tub of legos, and one of the modules with some good parts was glued together, and useless)

I have been tempted to use a gluestick which wouldn't permanently bind pieces before. Putting a little on the back of cheese slopes to hold them against the side of the Wild Karrde would save me hours of picking them up as they fell and replacing them to their ledge. Thankfully that ship is long sorted and no longer causing grief.Permalink

Ok - I hadn't intended to use glue in my entry; I just wanted clarification. I rarely use glue but sometimes I need to connect something that otherwise would be impossible or would lose its aesthetic value with a clip. Permalink

Read the rules thread and take a look at the 'Round 1' thread. You will find everything you need to know there. If you want to use flexible figs, that's up to you! As long as they're Lego, use whichever you prefer. Permalink

As custom decals are permitted, glue can be a necessity. Avoid it if possible though. When it comes to Lego, glue should be an absolute last resort (unless you're building massive scale, outdoor models). Permalink

Quoting LukeClarenceVan The Revanchist
I have been tempted to use a gluestick which wouldn't permanently bind pieces before. Putting a little on the back of cheese slopes to hold them against the side of the Wild Karrde would save me hours of picking them up as they fell and replacing them to their ledge. Thankfully that ship is long sorted and no longer causing grief.

I've used double-sided tape before. It seems to work fine and doesn't leave any annoying marks or anything like that.Permalink

is there a figure category? or is it just MOCs? beacuse i am settling in still i have almost no acess to my parts. so can there be a fig category? sorry , all i have is my figs. i have about 20 orcs , so i will probably post one of them! anyway , if its MOCs sorry i cant post , so maybe if so next year i will posta MOC. anyway , answer whenever you feel like doing so. also , if i post and win i will add my email to the post in the comment section and i will email u my adress. plus if i win will u pay for shipping?

Quoting warg rider of isengard
is there a figure category? or is it just MOCs? beacuse i am settling in still i have almost no acess to my parts. so can there be a fig category? sorry , all i have is my figs. i have about 20 orcs , so i will probably post one of them! anyway , if its MOCs sorry i cant post , so maybe if so next year i will posta MOC. anyway , answer whenever you feel like doing so. also , if i post and win i will add my email to the post in the comment section and i will email u my adress. plus if i win will u pay for shipping?

thank you ,

warg rider of isengard

If a mini-figure is seriously the only thing you can conjure up, then you're probably out of luck here. Sorry. We are looking for builds, or at least interesting brick-built figures.

As for the winner, we'll address how that works when the time comes. In answer to you question: we are indeed paying for shipping. It'd be pretty lame of us not to. Permalink

Quoting the Legionnaire
Does the scene I build have to have any of the characters from the movie or even anything to do with the story

I'm not quite sure what you're asking here. It has to be from LOTR or 'The Hobbit', so in that sense yes. You cannot just build some random off topic thing. If you're simply asking to build a scene like Buurli did (which I think you are, so go check out his entry), that's obviously fine. His is simply an "everyday life in Edoras" type deal. Hope that answers your question. Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
If a mini-figure is seriously the only thing you can conjure up, then you're probably out of luck here. Sorry. We are looking for builds, or at least interesting brick-built figures.

As for the winner, we'll address how that works when the time comes. In answer to you question: we are indeed paying for shipping. It'd be pretty lame of us not to.

good , but that is!!! have u ever moved and had no acess to your bricks beacuse they are in boxes that cnat be unpacked yet? probably not. anyway , is this going to go on next year?Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
I'm not quite sure what you're asking here. It has to be from LOTR or 'The Hobbit', so in that sense yes. You cannot just build some random off topic thing. If you're simply asking to build a scene like Buurli did (which I think you are, so go check out his entry), that's obviously fine. His is simply an "everyday life in Edoras" type deal. Hope that answers your question.

Quoting warg rider of isengard
good , but that is!!! have u ever moved and had no acess to your bricks beacuse they are in boxes that cnat be unpacked yet? probably not. anyway , is this going to go on next year?

I actually have moved several times before, but that's beside the point. We are hoping this contest will be annual for at least the next two years (with the releases of parts 2 and 3 of The Hobbit movie). Permalink

Quoting LukeClarenceVan The Revanchist
Come on, do you really wish to get thrashed in the smack talk thread right before getting thrashed in the competition proper? Talk about masochistic tendencies. ;)

Wow your already thrashing people before you even post your entry...Permalink

Quoting LukeClarenceVan The Revanchist
Come on, do you really wish to get thrashed in the smack talk thread right before getting thrashed in the competition proper? Talk about masochistic tendencies. ;)

Quoting LukeClarenceVan The Revanchist
Come on, do you really wish to get thrashed in the smack talk thread right before getting thrashed in the competition proper? Talk about masochistic tendencies. ;)

Quoting Finn tegotash
Am I allowed to build in micro scale or macro scale, at least in the first round?

Yes you are, but you would've found your answer if you read the rules carefully.

EVERYONE! I am no longer going to answer questions that can be found in the rules/Round 1 threads. I once again encourage all of you to read the threads carefully. I know you mean no harm in asking, but I can't do all your homework for you! :) Permalink

What if it's in the book only, but it's not exactly the same as the book? I have two scenes in one build, but only one is occupied. And they are in the same time period and the same (from what I imagined) place.(Don't worry, no stories! Just displaying some more detail and playability :D)Permalink

I'm not exactly getting the picture here. It should only be one scene. It can be from either the book or movie. As shown by Buurli's entry (for example), it's fine to just create and 'everyday life' scenario too. I'm not exactly sure what you're asking, but does that help? Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
I'm not exactly getting the picture here. It should only be one scene. It can be from either the book or movie. As shown by Buurli's entry (for example), it's fine to just create and 'everyday life' scenario too. I'm not exactly sure what you're asking, but does that help?

Hi,
Sorry to beat a dead horse here, but I wanted some clarification about the parameters. Above it is said that first and second ages are out (and I suppose that expands to include any point before Bilbo wished Gandalf a good morning in TA 2941), but it is also stated that anything related to the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings is okay. But the earlier ages are all throughout LotR. Aragorn tells he hobbits the tale of Beren and Luthien under Weathertop, Bilbo sings of Earendil in Rivendell, the Last Alliance is described at the Council of Elrond, etc. Even in the Hobbit we get allusions to the the fall of Gondolin, the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, etc. So does this mean that we can only cover action that happens from the start of Bilbo's unexpected journey to the departure of the Ringbearers from the Grey Havens? But above it also says the Battle of Dales is out, which implies that this can only cover action that is explicitly depicted 'on-screen' involving the major characters, not other things that were happening elsewhere in Middle Earth at the same time, but then a daily life in Edoras entry is specifically pointed out as okay. So, could this be clarified?Permalink

Are you hoping to build one of these events? If it's specifically mentioned in the books or shown in the films, you can build it. What we're trying to avoid is Silmarillion builds (and the like) that next to no one will be fimiliar with. If you want to do an 'everyday life' scenario (in a well known LOTR/Hobbit location), that's fine too. Permalink

Quoting Boarder Ryan
I hope that isn't a loop-hole that let's people make 2nd Age MOCs or else I would have built one; probably the Ley of Leithian.

I can't imagine the Lay of Leithian would be particularly easy to pull off in one scene. I was thinking more along the lines of 'the last alliance of men' and the battle at the foot of MT. Doom; one of the most well know 2nd age events, highly referred to in the books and movies.

This is not specifically aimed at you Boarder, but I confess, I'm beginning to find it frustrating that some of you contestants are trying to work around the given categories. The basic LOTR/Hobbit stories are abundant with many wonderful and well known parts. There's plenty of options right there! Why are people so insistent on building vague scenes?

Due to all these questions, perhaps I'll broaden things up for next year's qualifier. Permalink

Could you help me with my problem?I am hopeless at making links other than copy and paste,and that only works in comments.I had this same problem when I entered the recent MOC olympics.Could you please tell or show me how to make links and if it doesn't work,am I permited to make a link to MELO contest/person against me on the bottom of my MOC in a comment?Thanks.Permalink

Quoting Toa Jaton
Could you help me with my problem?I am hopeless at making links other than copy and paste,and that only works in comments.I had this same problem when I entered the recent MOC olympics.Could you please tell or show me how to make links and if it doesn't work,am I permited to make a link to MELO contest/person against me on the bottom of my MOC in a comment?Thanks.

How many people are actually building and participating in the contest? I see 114 members, but I only see 10 creations so far, so i'm guessing some of those members and the judges will not be building, so I was wondering if you had a total number of active participants. Thanks, ~RORY~Permalink

Quoting Rory Simpson
How many people are actually building and participating in the contest? I see 114 members, but I only see 10 creations so far, so i'm guessing some of those members and the judges will not be building, so I was wondering if you had a total number of active participants. Thanks, ~RORY~

Not a clue, but here's hoping we at least get 32 (so we can move on with the games)! Permalink

I'll keep entering as long as I pass the qualifier. I've just started building LotR MOCs and have a lot of cool ideas and want to see how I'd do when directed to build a specific category. Thanks again for inviting me to the contest!Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
Once a new round begins, any player is permitted to edit their previous entry. You just can't make changes (unless permitted by the admin) while your entry is actively competing in its given round. I hope that makes sense!

Quoting Ian Spacek
Once a new round begins, any player is permitted to edit their previous entry. You just can't make changes (unless permitted by the admin) while your entry is actively competing in its given round. I hope that makes sense!

Yup, good sense it does make!

Okay, I'll try not to bother you after this, but may I slip a photo of me in my costume? I have no suitable upcoming MOCs for it, except my MELO entry.Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
Once a new round begins, any player is permitted to edit their previous entry. You just can't make changes (unless permitted by the admin) while your entry is actively competing in its given round. I hope that makes sense!

Yup, good sense it does make!

Okay, I'll try not to bother you after this, but may I slip a photo of me in my costume? I have no suitable upcoming MOCs for it, except my MELO entry.

Is it an "in real life" photo or Lego? If it's irl go for it, because there's no extra Lego. Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
Is it an "in real life" photo or Lego? If it's irl go for it, because there's no extra Lego.

Yes yes, it is me IRL.
(except as Bofur and not, well, me) Okay, last question, I always add my siggy in different suites for different themes, may I add my siggy in a Bofur costume for the last picture, as a departing photo that I always do? He will just be in the one picture waving goodbye. Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
Is it an "in real life" photo or Lego? If it's irl go for it, because there's no extra Lego.

Yes yes, it is me IRL.
(except as Bofur and not, well, me) Okay, last question, I always add my siggy in different suites for different themes, may I add my siggy in a Bofur costume for the last picture, as a departing photo that I always do? He will just be in the one picture waving goodbye.

Both uploaders won't let me upload anything. I think it has to do with Java or something, but I have updated/installed Java 2 times already and tried different web browsers. The "newer" uploader gives me this,

Mister Lego, I use the simple uploader and it works fine. Just make sure you upload three or four pictures at a time or it might take a while and the server might reset; just copy and paste what you already have. Permalink

Quoting Ryan "Ronin" Dragonslayer
Mister Lego, I use the simple uploader and it works fine. Just make sure you upload three or four pictures at a time or it might take a while and the server might reset; just copy and paste what you already have.

Quoting Nick Doyle
just wondering; would a set-styled MOC count? Or does it have to be some sort of diorama?

If it's one scene, I suppose you could do a more set-styled build. Just be careful not to make it too much like one of the actual LOTR/Hobbit sets. Whatever you do, you'd better get busy though! You've only got two and a half days left! ;) Permalink

My first time entering in a contest like this, how many days should I expect to wait?

If all goes according to plan, Round 2 will start on Thursday evening (the 10th) and you'll have until the 2nd Sunday (the 20th) from that date to get your entry in, provided you make it into the top thirty-two players. Elimination rounds are scheduled to last 10 days each, with intermittent judging periods. Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
If all goes according to plan, Round 2 will start on Thursday evening (the 10th) and you'll have until the 2nd Sunday (the 20th) from that date to get your entry in, provided you make it into the top thirty players. Elimination rounds are scheduled to last 10 days each, with intermittent judging periods.

Oh, I have a different question: Would it be all right if I added some more commentary and pictures to my moc, (they're just pictures of the same build, nothing added) or should I wait until after MELO is over?Permalink

Quoting Linnea Stevens
Oh, I have a different question: Would it be all right if I added some more commentary and pictures to my moc, (they're just pictures of the same build, nothing added) or should I wait until after MELO is over?

As judging is already in progress, please wait until Round 2 has begun to make any changes. We want all the judges to be judging off of the exact same thing. But yes, once Round 1 is over you're free to add pictures/descriptions to your heart's content. :) Thanks for asking! Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
As judging is already in progress, please wait until Round 2 has begun to make any changes. We want all the judges to be judging off of the exact same thing. But yes, once Round 1 is over you're free to add pictures/descriptions to your heart's content. :) Thanks for asking!

Quoting Ian Spacek
As the thread has already been created, I suppose it might as well serve some purpose. I'll unlock it briefly, but as soon as you've posted the link, I'm locking it again. Hurry please.

Quoting A Sargent
Awesome! I doubt I'll win, though. There are a lot of creations out there that are better than mine. :(

For the first round it's not about winning, it's about making it in to the top 32 players (so that you advance to Round 2). Whether you made it into the top 32 or not remains to be seen. All will be revealed tonight! :) Permalink

Quoting Patrick Devine
...how late? Hopefully before I head to work. Oh man night shift waiting will be hard. :P

I can't give you an exact time, sorry. One of the judges is just finishing up now (I'll be getting his scores shortly). Maybe roughly 2-3 hours until the new round is released? I'm working as fast as I can. :) Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
I can't give you an exact time, sorry. One of the judges is just finishing up now (I'll be getting his scores shortly). I'll make a rough estimate of about 2-3 hours. I'm working as fast as I can. :)

Thanks you and all of the other judges for all your hard work!Permalink

In the rules, you stated myBracket must be the first thing stated in the description. Does this mean that The bracket must be the first text written aside from the title, or does it literally mean, in the description box? Permalink

Tried that. Still not working. Text is showing all HTML usage, including paragraphing. Leaving it for tonight, will pick it up again tomorrow before I punch a hole through my computer. Thanks for the assist though.Permalink

Tried that. Still not working. Text is showing all HTML usage, including paragraphing. Leaving it for tonight, will pick it up again tomorrow before I punch a hole through my computer. Thanks for the assist though.

Quoting Garrett A.
When will the judges judge? Both mine and my opponent's entry are up, so why do they not cast their vote now?

The judges are permitted to start judging as soon as both contestants post. But they're no required to finish judging until Wednesday. If you and your opponent have both entered, you'll get your results between now and then. The new round will be launched on Thursday. Permalink

Quoting Topsy Creatori(StoveTop nomore!)
After maintaining a data chart for the 2012 MO and MIT I have a template made for these types of contests. I have begun logging the contest proceedings for the MELO for myself. Would you like for me to post this? :)

Thinking about my entry for Rd.3, cat: Helm's Deep. Oi vey! I had a question:
Given this and other projects in the works, the idea of a grand Deeping wall is likely not going to happen. I had thought to do a few scenes from the battle, but read in rule #2: "To put it simply: only build one scene." Would this rule stop me from creating three MOC's of the battle at different points? Or does the 'scene' in (my) question mean Helm's Deep as a whole? Permalink

Quoting Dodge ...
Thinking about my entry for Rd.3, cat: Helm's Deep. Oi vey! I had a question:
Given this and other projects in the works, the idea of a grand Deeping wall is likely not going to happen. I had thought to do a few scenes from the battle, but read in rule #2: "To put it simply: only build one scene." Would this rule stop me from creating three MOC's of the battle at different points? Or does the 'scene' in (my) question mean Helm's Deep as a whole?

Quoting Ian Spacek
Yes (movie or book), though for this category you're not required to have a scene. You can just post the beast as 1 build. If you'd like to build it into one scene, that's up to you.

I have been attempting to upload my Rd3 entry for the past two days. So far, for whatever reason, MOCpages is not accepting my photos in jg, png or any other form. I will continue to attempt to load each day.

If, for some reason MOCpages will not let me load, is there any other route I might take (link to flickr, etc) to allow me to continue with the contest.

I do hope that this will sort itself out before the deadline, but I thought I'd check well before the last minute.Permalink

Quoting Dodge ...
I have been attempting to upload my Rd3 entry for the past two days. So far, for whatever reason, MOCpages is not accepting my photos in jg, png or any other form. I will continue to attempt to load each day.

If, for some reason MOCpages will not let me load, is there any other route I might take (link to flickr, etc) to allow me to continue with the contest.

I do hope that this will sort itself out before the deadline, but I thought I'd check well before the last minute.

I see that you are telling us now, keep trying, and if things do not work out I would think Ian would let you use flikr to do it. Permalink

Quoting Dodge ...
I have been attempting to upload my Rd3 entry for the past two days. So far, for whatever reason, MOCpages is not accepting my photos in jg, png or any other form. I will continue to attempt to load each day.

If, for some reason MOCpages will not let me load, is there any other route I might take (link to flickr, etc) to allow me to continue with the contest.

I do hope that this will sort itself out before the deadline, but I thought I'd check well before the last minute.

It seems to be a MOCpages-wide problem; I uploaded two creations last evening, and it messed up while I was trying to upload a third one. I've tried it again a few times since, and had the same problem. I also saw that Z Cerberus had the same issue... hopefully it will get fixed soon!Permalink

Yeah, MOCpages has been having an up-loader issue for the past day or so. It's been brought up in the MOCpages help forum, so I'm sure the Admins are looking into it. If it remains to be a problem, perhaps I'll extend the R3 deadline by a day or two (but like Mark said, don't stop trying just because of that). We'll see! Permalink

Sorry for asking, I realize you have been asked this before, but are we getting any extra time due to the uploader issue? I have doubts it will be fixed by Sunday, and it would be nice to know ahead of time.Permalink

Quoting Justin Knelsen
Sorry for asking, I realize you have been asked this before, but are we getting any extra time due to the uploader issue? I have doubts it will be fixed by Sunday, and it would be nice to know ahead of time.

I think Ian is allowing extra time, but I am unsure of this. If it was up to me I would allow extra time, so if he does not say anything by then, then you may have at least one more day (if it is still not fixed) but of course Ian can always override this.Permalink

Quoting Justin Knelsen
Sorry for asking, I realize you have been asked this before, but are we getting any extra time due to the uploader issue? I have doubts it will be fixed by Sunday, and it would be nice to know ahead of time.

If the up-loader is still not working by the time Sunday roles around, I'll extend the deadline as much as proves necessary. I may head over to the MOCpages help forum and see if I can get an estimation of when it will be back up-and-running. Permalink

I figured out how to embed photos from my Flickr stream, which seems to be working, so if you have a Flickr account, you might give that a try (it's actually pretty simple). I just can't put up a main photo right now, but I'll fix that eventually...Permalink

I was wondering why the picture uploader won't work. I followed all the instructions and all I get is a black box with a white x in it. and because I hope to enter the MELO I kind of was hoping I could get some practice but the uploader wont work. for an example visit my witch king of angmar to see this. thanks if you can reply and I hope I can get this working!Permalink

Quoting Sean-Thomas Mahoney
i was wondering if you'll let me make a group called Joiner Middle Earth Lego Olympics

Hmmm, I suppose you could. Perhaps you could use "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR) instead of "Middle Earth" or something like that (just to differentiate a tad more)? Thank you for considerately asking! I appreciate the gesture. :) Permalink

Quoting Ian Spacek
Hmmm, I suppose you could. Perhaps you could use "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR) instead of "Middle Earth" or something like that (just to differentiate a tad more)? Thank you for considerately asking! I appreciate the gesture. :)